In Focus

Option will also keep Tepco alive to pay its debts. Japan’s government is discussing this radical overhaul of its nuclear power sector to rebuild an industry wracked by the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and strong public opposition to nuclear energy. The proposed sole operator that will handle all 50 reactors. will be owned by Japan’s nine regional utilities and two wholesalers (Japan Atomic Power Company and Electric Power Development Company). The government and local reactor makers will provide financial and technical support, said Taku Yamamoto, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s energy committee. Part of the profit from sales of the new company’s electricity will be used for the cleanup of Tokyo Electric Power Company’s (Tepco) destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant and victim compensation, which combined may cost over US$112 billion. The plan will keep Tepco alive to shoulder Fukushima costs and avert any blackouts in Tokyo, which will host the 2020 Olympic Games. Yamamoto said the plan is based on Tepco’s profits covering Fukushima costs without taxpayers’ money and to increase the government’s role in the nuclear industry. He said Tepco has to go on working hard for the Fukushima disaster until it dies.

Boosted by commercial project installations.

Fourth-generation plant to rise at Ruijin.

Goal is to save and use electricity more efficiently.

Goal is to save and use electricity more efficiently.

Coal the dominant energy source until 2035.

UK government gives go-ahead.

Will establish an LNG importers’ group.

It's the first agreement between a US state and China.

Not an opportunity in disguise but a crisis, it says.

Bidding ends later this month.

“Ultra mega” plant will generate 4 GW.

This despite massive overcapacity and weak demand.

Plans to generate 3 GW from solar energy.

Greenpeace report says this could occur by 2050. Greenpeace believes that by 2050, green energy could account for 70% of the electricity generation for the 10 countries comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This boost in green energy could also result in US$2.8 trillion worth of investment; US$2.7 trillion in fuel-cost savings and 1.1 million jobs by 2030, said the report entitled “Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable Asean Energy Outlook.” The report also noted that 28% of the region's total population, or 160 million people, still had no access to electricity. Sven Teske, renewable energies director at Greenpeace International, said ASEAN countries have more than enough natural resources to become a leading player for clean, renewable energies. "Renewable energies are more competitive than coal, utilize indigenous local resources and create more employment," Teske said. "Using more renewables is now an advantage for the economy, not a burden and reduces their dependence on dirty, imported fossil fuels like oil and coal."

Acquires Japanese wind farm company.